Bariloche tours

Things to do in Bariloche

In Bariloche, you notice the air first—cool, with just a hint of chocolate, as if the place itself is offering you a taste. It’s nestled there, amidst the Lake District’s grandeur, where mountains and waters meet in a quiet sort of symphony. Your guide doesn’t just show you around; they bring Bariloche into focus, turning the ordinary into the extraordinary. There’s a sense of adventure woven into every step, whether you’re walking through forests that seem touched by magic or sampling Patagonia’s culinary offerings. Lines at attractions? Your guide smooths the way. Each story they tell adds a layer to the landscape, making Bariloche feel like a well-kept secret you’ve been let in on. If you’re looking for more inspiration, take a look at our curated list of things to do in Bariloche. Explore Bariloche your way At ToursByLocals, we believe that how you explore is just as important as where you go. That’s why every Bariloche tour is private, flexible, and built around you: Move at your own pace, skip the crowds, make connections and follow your curiosity. Find local guides offering private tours in Bariloche for every interest, including: Nature and Wildlife tours: Ride the chairlift up Cerro Campanario for wide lake views, then trek shaded trails in Llao Llao Park to coves like Bahía López or boat to Victoria Island for forest walks. Paddle a kayak on Lake Gutiérrez to Cascada de los Duendes, or spend the day on Mascardi’s green waters with a shore lunch your guide sets up. City highlights tours: Stroll Mitre Street to sample small-batch chocolate, step into the stone-and-timber Centro Cívico and the Cathedral of Our Lady of Nahuel Huapi, and hear the stories behind the town’s landmarks. Add a couple of microbrewery tastings, ride the cable car up Cerro Otto for a panorama, and browse local crafts near the waterfront. BirdWatching tours: Scan the cliffs for Andean condors at Cerro Catedral or the Ñirihuau valley, and work the coihue and arrayán woods in Llao Llao for chucao tapaculos, thorn-tailed rayaditos, and Magellanic woodpeckers. Your guide can bring a scope to pick out grebes and steamer ducks on Laguna El Trébol and Nahuel Huapi’s bays, timing stops at dawn or dusk for more activity. Downtown is easy to walk, and city buses using the SUBE card reach Llao Llao, Cerro Catedral, and nearby towns, though waits can eat into your day. For flexible routing between lakes, lookouts, and trailheads, you can book chauffeured tours or ask your local guide about tours with private transportation. This isn’t a one-size-fits-all itinerary, you can tailor your private tour to match your interests, pace and personality with a local who knows Bariloche inside and out. Walking tours & neighbourhoods In Bariloche, take a private walking tour to discover its unique neighborhoods, guided by a local who knows where the best spots are. - Centro Cívico: Ideal for families and multi-generational groups, this central area offers stunning architecture and easy access to museums and chocolate shops, making it a fun and educational stop. - Playa Bonita: For those who love nature, this neighborhood offers a beautiful beach with views of Lake Nahuel Huapi. Perfect for a picnic or leisurely stroll along the shore. - Cerro Catedral: Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy this area, known for its ski resort and hiking trails. Whether it's winter sports or summer hikes, it caters to those looking to connect with nature. Day trip ideas from Bariloche From Bariloche, lakes, forests, and small towns sit close enough for easy day trips, and your tour can lean toward short hikes, scenic drives, or food stops without rushing. - Circuito Chico and Llao Llao: A compact scenic loop with lake lookouts, small beaches, and short forest trails, ideal if you want broad views of Nahuel Huapi and time for chocolate or a local beer along the way. - Cerro Tronador and the Black Glacier: A full day into the park to see waterfalls, hanging ice, and the dark, rock‑streaked glacier, great if mountain scenery and simple trail walks are your thing, with picnic spots by rivers. - Villa La Angostura and the Arrayanes area: A tidy lakeside town about 80 kilometres north with wooden architecture and the Quetrihué Peninsula, good for easy shoreline strolls and calm water views if you like gentler nature days. - Seven Lakes Road to San Martín de los Andes: A classic drive linking clear lakes and viewpoints, perfect if you enjoy frequent photo stops, short hikes to miradors, and a relaxed lunch in a smaller Andean town. - El Bolsón and Lago Puelo: South of Bariloche, this area pairs an artsy market scene with a national park lake, fitting if you’re into local makers, casual food, and flat trails that keep the focus on blue water and forest. A private tour with a local guide is the best way to really get to know a place. Skip the crowds, follow your interests, and see a side of Bariloche most travellers miss.